TfL's English Language Requirement for Private Hire Drivers: B1, SERU and Exemptions

To hold a London private hire licence you need to show you can communicate well in English. TfL sets this at the equivalent of B1 level — enough to talk to passengers, understand them, and read and follow the rules you work under.

Two parts to the requirement

TfL's English language requirement is split in two:

1. Speaking and listening — a test of spoken English, taken with an approved provider, unless you have evidence TfL accepts that you already meet the standard.
2. Reading and writing — covered by the SERU assessment. That's why SERU includes sentence-completion and reading questions, not just multiple choice.

So even if you're exempt from the speaking and listening test, you still take SERU.

What B1 means in practice

B1 is an intermediate level. At B1 you can handle everyday conversations, understand clear standard speech, and read straightforward texts on familiar topics — like a passenger's instructions, or a rule in the driver's handbook.

Exemptions and evidence

TfL accepts certain evidence as proof that you meet the requirement, which can exempt you from the speaking and listening test. The accepted evidence and any disability-related exemptions are set by TfL, so check the current list on the TfL English language requirement page before you book anything.

Preparing for the SERU side

For the reading and writing part, the best preparation is practising SERU's own question formats. Our SERU pass mark and format guide explains each one, and the free SERU practice tests let you try them.

SeruPass is an independent study app, not affiliated with Transport for London.